In a significant move to strengthen grassroots democracy, the Lagos State House of Assembly has called for full financial independence for the legislative arms of the state’s Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
The call was a central feature of the Assembly’s plenary session last week, presided over by the Speaker, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa.
In an interview with starnigerianews.com Hon Niniola Adegoke, Special Adviser on Political Maters to Honorable Speaker explain the details activities of what took place at the Plenary.
The debate was triggered by a motion titled “Call for Financial Independence for the Legislative Arms of Local Government Areas and LCDAs in Lagos,” sponsored by Hon. Sanni Babatunde, the Chairman of the Committee on Local Government Administration, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development.
Hon. Babatunde argued that councilors are a vital pillar in Nigeria’s democratic structure, bearing constitutional responsibilities for law-making, oversight, and representation that require independence to execute effectively.
Contributing to the debate, lawmakers unanimously highlighted the current imbalance of power at the local level. Hon. Obafemi Saheed pointed to the constitutional principle of separation of powers, stating that granting autonomy would align local governance with practices at the state and federal levels and enhance good governance.
Echoing this sentiment, Hon. Temitope Adewale, OON, expressed concern that council leaders are often subjected to undue influence from local government chairpersons due to their financial dependence. “Councilors perform functions comparable to those of state legislators,” he stated, proposing that training for these local leaders should be a joint effort between the Ministry of Local Government and the State Assembly.
Further insights came from Hon. Bonu Solomon, who commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for ensuring direct allocations to local government executives. He insisted that similar financial independence is crucial for local legislative bodies to function efficiently.
Hon. Aro Moshood suggested that state lawmakers should personally observe local legislative sessions to better understand the challenges faced by councilors operating without autonomy.
Following the extensive debate, the House resolved to take concrete actions. The lawmakers will urgently call on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to direct the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs, and Rural Development to formulate a strategy for the independent financing of all Local Government Legislative Councils.
Furthermore, the Assembly will instruct the Commissioner of the Ministry to prioritize comprehensive training programs for councilors in financial management, budgeting, and legislative practices. Crucially, the Ministry is to pursue the enactment of a self-accounting law that would legally secure financial autonomy for these grassroots legislatures.
Speaker Obasa underscored the resolution’s importance, noting the recent increase in allocations to local governments. He emphasized that empowering councilors with financial independence is essential for them to perform their oversight roles effectively and maintain proper checks and balances for the benefit of all Lagos residents.